ny." The single green eye gleamed down at him almost
affectionately from under the wide brim.

"Thank y'," returned Johnnie.

For a long time he lay without moving, this for fear One-Eye might come
back. When he took his books out of his shirt, he did not read, though
the stall was brightly lighted, only watched a pair of nervous brown
ears that kept showing above the stall-side in front of him. Something
was troubling him very much. It seemed to be something in his forehead;
but it was in his throat most of all; though that spot at the end of his
breastbone felt none too well.

Whatever it was, it had a great deal to do with Cis (the mere thought of
her made his eyes smart) and with Grandpa. Freedom and new friends he
had; more books, too, than he could read in a year--or so it seemed to
him as he measured the pile under the orange. Then why, having the best
bed he had known since the one with the blue knobs at Aunt Sophie's, why
could he not go to sleep? or, if he was not sleepy, why did he not want
to read? or summon to him Aladdin, or David with Goliath, or Mr.
Rockefeller?

He pulled hard at his hair.

The truth was, he was learning something about himself. He was finding
out that to get away from danger was only part of his problem: the other
part was to get away from his own thoughts, his feelings--in short, his
conscience. For try as he might, as he lay there, he could not keep the
wheel chair out of his sight!

It stood before him in the yellow bedding, and the little old man seated
in it kept holding out trembling hands. The thin, bearded face was
distorted pathetically, and tears streamed from the faded eyes. If
Johnnie turned his head away from the chair, he met other eyes--eyes
young and blue and gentle. Poor Cis, so shy always, and silent; so
loving and good!

Down into One-Eye's coat went Johnnie's small nose, and so hard that to
this unfreckled feature was instantly transferred the pain in his
forehead and throat and breast; and his hurt was for a moment changed
into the physical, which was easier to bear. Yes, they were left behind
alone, those two who were so dear to him.

Even with the horse blanket over both ears he could hear the wheel chair
going from the stove to the window, from the window to the hall door,
while the old soldier whimpered and called. He could hear Cis call,
too--his name. But it was Grandpa who hurt him the most. Cis was quite
grown-up, and had girl friends, and her wor